ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES

 

Chapter 202 – Confession is Good for the Soul

 

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This story is an original work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This is a free electronic story. No part of this electronic story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. If you are not of legal age in your location to view and read adult material, please close out of this story and delete any material you have downloaded or copied to your computer.

 

PRIMARY CHARACTERS:

 

Adam John Clark: Colonel, U.S. Army – Adopted Son of Amos Vance & Michael "Allen" Roberts

Akecheta "Ake" Bidzel: Six Star General of the Army (Inactive)

Akihiko Ito – Lover and future partner of Tokugawa Kinugasa

Alexander Bradley – Six Star General of the Army

Allen Robert Harriman: Adopted son of Robert Adrian Harriman and Adam John Clark

Amos Vance: One of the Van Family Cousins from West Virginia

Arkyn Erling: Six Star General of the Army (Inactive)

Caleb King – Partner and lover of Thomas Worthington

Douglas VanDyke – Son of the Vice-President of the United States

Jamie Williams – Partner of Douglas VanDyke

Johann Emmanuel: Adopted son of Cardinal Dominic

Michael "Allen" Roberts: Adopted Son of Matt Longdick and Jason Allman

Omoikane Kinugasa Ito – Adopted son of Tokugawa Kinugasa and Akihiko Ito

Omoikane Ryujin Hashimoto – Partner and lover of Tony Worthington

Robert Amos Harriman: Adopted son of Robert Adrian Harriman and Adam John Clark

Tokugawa Yoshimune Meat-Goodman Kinugasa, Colonel – U.S. Army – Head of Worthington R&D

Tony & Thomas Worthington – Adopted Sons of Luke Worthington II

Xavier Francisco Sanchez – Six Star General of the Army

Yuuto Meat-Goodman Kinugasa: Adopted Son of Noah Meat-Goodman and Hayao Kinugasa

 

"Angus" (Name Classified): (Son of a domestic terrorist in protective custody at Fort Connor)

"Biff" Jones (Name Classified): (Son of POTUS and guest in residence at Fort Connor)

"George" (Name Classified): (Senior head of the Worthington Brain Trust and Top Scientist in residence)

"Tod" (Name Classified): (Teenage son of George and protectee of Alpha Zulu)

"PJ" (Name Classified): (Teenage son of POTUS and protectee of Alpha Zulu)

 

 

 

"ALERT, ALERT... NORAD ADVISES A MISSILE SUDDENLY APPEARED COMING OVER THE ARTIC ICECAP AT MACH 3.5. TRAJECTORY INDICATES A HIGH PROBABILITY OF IMPACTING FORT CONNOR. ALL IMPS TO THEIR BUNKER, ALL MEN TO THEIR DUTY STATION. THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!

 

Few countries even have a hypersonic missile in development, yet alone deployed. This missile could be carrying a standard warhead or a nuclear warhead. And, in under five minutes we would know which.

 

As NORAD tracked the missile over the eastern seaboard of the United States it changed its trajectory and was now on target for a direct impact with Fort Connor. Air Defenses sent up everything in our arsenal and every available fighter jet was airborne and routed to attempt to intercept the missile.

 

We listened as OPS counted down the time to impact at Fort Connor and wondered if we would lose many of our friends to this hostile act. Suddenly, without warning, OPS announces the missile exploded before it reached Fort Connor. The Coast Guard would attempt to salvage any wreckage, but we doubted as deep as the water is around Fort Connor if they would have any success.

 

Now it is time for our "BRAIN TRUST" to back track the missile and attempt to find out where it was launched from. Then I know POTUS will authorize a black ops team to neutralize this threat with extreme prejudice.

 

It was time to break out the moonshine and we were all in agreement to limit our intake to ONE SHOT! (We all knew the price for consuming more from previous sessions with this lethal beverage.)

 

As the imps were released from their panic room our two older imps asked if their fathers had time to talk with them. "Of course, always!"

 

The two older imps asked to borrow "my" study as they closed and locked the door behind the imps. "Dads, we have to be honest with the four of you!" Whatever you decide, don't give up on the little guys. They deserve to have great fathers like you. As for the two of us, our die was cast a long time ago. You know both of us worked the street to provide for a roof over our brother's head and food on the table. Hell yes, we sucked a lot of cock and got fucked plenty of times. What the reports didn't tell you is there were times we enjoyed getting fucked to the point we had orgasm as our ass was getting rammed. We are two very fucked up kids you are adopting. "JUST DON'T GIVE UP ON THE LITTLE GUYS!" We had to be honest with you before the adoption is finalized. We will understand if you don't want two fucked up gay teenagers as your sons.

 

By the time our two older sons made their confession, tears were streaming down their cheeks and they told us they would pack and we could return them to the orphanage in the morning. As they moved toward the study door, we issued the command FREEZE! "Where in the hell do you think you are going?"

 

Give us fathers a little credit for being understanding and loving you. You have four fathers that love fucking and getting fucked. Yeah, it can feel damn nice at times and nothing feels better than busting a nut as the man you loves is fucking your brains out.

 

If you want to be returned to the Orphanage, we won't stand in your way... but our love is unconditional and the fact that you two enjoyed getting fucked doesn't even enter into any consideration of us finalizing your adoption.

 

You forget, we four were teenagers once and just thinking about a hot piece of ass gave us a raging hardon... so why should you be any different. From the state of the obvious raging boners you two are currently displaying, we suggest you find an empty bedroom, lock the door and enjoy taking care of your mutual hard problems. There is lube and condoms in the bedside stands. PLAY SAFE!

 

Our two older imps came rushing to us, wrapped their arms around us and for the first time they hugged and kissed us with wild abandonment. We doubted if they would ever object to us kissing them goodnight after this moment in their life.

 

As two very embarrassed red faced Senior Imps went running out of the study heading to find a vacant bedroom, we four fathers wondered what condition they would be in when they had to walk to enjoy a buffet dinner.

 

Sharing with the Generals the pivotal moment we had just reached in the lives of our sons we candidly asked: "We were never that bad, were we?" Arkyn commented: "You were never that bad..." as I added: "You were worse!"... DADS!

 

Arkyn and I were not surprised when the two older sons and all four of the fathers were walking mighty funny when they ate brunch the next morning. Thomas saw me sneak a smile on my face as he looked at me eye to eye: "I love sex and I'm married to a living two legged fuck machine. EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT!"

 

Arkyn took my hand and drug me toward our bedroom only commenting the imps have the correct attitude. Sex first and then brunch! (Damn, did he destroy my ass and I loved every minute of it.)

 

After brunch, our fathers had a major announcement to make as to a family decision that had been made. When the final adoption papers were signed our older two grandsons had asked to have their names changed to Tony and Thomas Worthington II. Our two younger grandsons asked to have their names changed to Luke and John Worthington III. This was being done at the request of our grandsons and we fathers had no influence as to the request. We were proud to assure their sons IT WOULD BE DONE!!!

 

When the four fathers and four sons returned from the final adoption review they only commented was to save Saturday night for a friends and family gathering at the Penthouse to announce to everyone this new moment in the lives of the Worthington family. We were so proud of both the fathers and of their sons. Another generation of Worthingtons committed to serve the proud men of the United States Military.

 

Saturday night was a festive event until OPS announced an ALERT and half of our guest, the Worthingtons and us retired Generals were all packed like sardines into the panic room. It took hours for security to let us out and then we learned the sad news of an attack on the President VanDyke. A sniper successfully made an extremely long distance head shot "kill" and now Michael "Allen" Roberts was President of the United States.

 

Within minutes of our release from the Panic Room our wrist coms went off and we were summoned to the White House. "Allen" was blunt and to the point... he wasn't prepared to assume the role of President and he needed our help. You already have the status of Ambassadors at Large for POTUS and I want you to also to accept my appointment as special advisors to the President. No two men on earth know as much about the Government and the Military as you two. You have to phase out of the Worthington Operations so help Tony and Thomas with the transition and phase in to being my special advisors. We learned long ago there were some circumstances when NO would never be an acceptable answer. "WE HUMBLY ACCEPT!")

 

"Allen's" partner held the bible as he humbly took the his oath of office as President of the United States as the entire world watched in stunned horror of the death of a President.

 

"I Michael "Allen" Roberts do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

 

"Allen" had always been the right man for the job and this was no exception. He took the "reins" of power with two firm hands and refused to let the job dictate the response done by any agency.

 

In his speech to the nation and the WORLD, Allen announced our appointment as Special Advisors to the President and he couldn't have two more knowledgeable and talented men as resources to the most important position in the free world. Congress agreed with Allen and immediately approved us and gave us powers never before given to any men in the Government including POTUS. Congress wanted our assurance another President wouldn't be assassinated and they wanted our assurance of the fact. We assured Congress there was no way to prevent any one being killed if the individual was prepared to sacrifice his life. We would use all of our experience and skills to help in preventing another assassination.

 

We were somewhat shocked when Allen required us back into our uniforms as six star Generals of Alpha Zulu. He wanted everyone and anyone in the military to know our word was finite. Challenge us and the individual was history in any position of authority within the United States Government.

 

Finally, we returned to the Worthington Marriott Penthouse for the night and were met by Tony and Thomas holding two double "Nectar of the God's" NEAT! (We had trained them well.) As the stress of the day descended upon us and we realized what we now faced. In addition to the role of being the top officers in all branches of the service we also inherited every problem of any man or woman in today's military. Tony and Thomas assured us they had a fast learning curve and for us to be concerned with our responsibilities to the military. They wouldn't bother us unless absolutely necessary.

 

Proud of the two young men we raised and even prouder of the two men they selected to be their partners for life... we almost fainted when they gifted us Worthington Actual and their two Ex-Air Force Pilots. Just try not to blow this one up! (As the four fathers roared in laughter.)

 

Both of us Generals were shocked when we arrived at Andrews the next morning to board our luxurious jet, the gold "W" on the tail of the plane had been replaced with our six star insignia. Yes, even our pilots were proud to be part of our "TEAM" and we had to smile when they boarded their plane wearing proudly our six star breast badge. Arkyn and I knew the review process made in selecting these two men and we were proud to have them as part of our team.

 

Advising the pilots, we needed to be at Fort Connor in time for lunch. "Be comfortable Generals, that is one easy request." Arkyn and I basked in the comfort of our new "hand me down" as we went airborne and arrived shortly thereafter at Fort Connor.

 

Security met us upon arrival and verified our identity. Advising they had been ordered to transport us wherever we needed to go. We need to meet with your commanding Generals and then to Medical to meet with Doc.

 

Both Generals rose and snapped to attention when we entered their office. Arkyn and I only chastised them commenting they would be at attention far too often if they did that every time we entered a room. We are here as friends and I hope we will continue to work as a team. AT EASE, PLEASE!

 

"We aren't here to confiscate your Flying Billboard although it is tempting. That is one magnificent plane. We wanted to assure you this is still your command and we have no intention of micro managing Fort Connor and/or Alpha Zulu. We want to meet with Doc and the Chaplain and to make certain his departure will be flawless. How are the men coping with Doc's departure?

 

The men are handling the loss as good as anyone can expect of them and are planning on their own "going away" party for that ole curmudgeon. I know POTUS was planning on a major ceremony on July 4th and I imagine the new POTUS will follow through on the celebration. "We guarantee it!"

 

As Security escorted us to Medical, Doc greeted us and Doc being Doc still wanted our blood. Asking if we wanted to meet his replacement, we only commented everyone in Washington wants to meet this man you hold in such high esteem. We were warmly greeted by Doc's replacement and only commented he had mighty big shoes to fill here at Fort Connor. Doc smiled and commented his protιgι had mighty big feet!

 

Excusing ourselves, we wanted to meet with the Cardinal Chaplain before lunch. Knocking and requesting admittance, our old friend warmly greeted us. He smiled as he commented our mission on earth must not be completed and God has yet future plans for the two of you. (Damn, he is playing the "G" card. That isn't fair!)

 

We thanked the Chaplain for all he has done in assisting us when we were at Fort Connor and we plan on utilizing your talents even more now in the new role POTUS has given us. Thanking the Chaplain in advance we made our way to the Mess and a wonderful meal we would never turn down.

 

After a delicious lunch I asked the new Command Master Sergeant if he had a few minutes. "Always, sirs! How can I be of service?" We commented we hoped he enjoyed his welcome "gang bang" which made him smile from ear to ear! Our grandsons will soon be in residence at Fort Connor and when the time comes they end up hanging naked from the camp flagpoles or from the "Welcome to Fort Connor" arch, would you please be kind enough to send us copies of the pics you send to their fathers. WITH PLEASURE SIRS! We smiled and we only commented DISMISSED!

 

We did a hell of a lot of saluting as we slowly walked to the airfield... we were so proud of the men and of what they have done to make Alpha Zulu the premier unit of the United States Army. A sore arm was a small price to pay for all the men have done.

 

Lifting off from Fort Connor this time there was no feeling of guilt because we knew we would be back and every man of Alpha Zulu would help us in whatever assignment POTUS would give us.

 

On our way back to Washington, we contacted SecDef and asked if he and the Joint Chiefs had time for a short meeting this afternoon. He assured me they would all make time whenever we arrived. Also, ask our old friend who is now the Sergeant Major of the Army to make time for us after we finish our meeting with your group. SecDef assured me he would assure us of his availability.

 

Arriving at Andrews, Security met us with an armored limousine and immediate transportation to the Pentagon. Entering the office of the Secretary of Defense, we introduced ourselves and assured him we all worked for the same boss... POTUS! So long as we all accepted that fact we would never have any problem. Meeting our old friends, the Joint Chiefs... we assured them nothing would change in the relationship we had with them previously. WE ALL WORK FOR POTUS!

 

Asking Security to point us toward the office of the Sergeant Major of the Army... we knocked respectfully and received the voice command: ENTER! Our old friend our former Alpha Zulu Command Master Sergeant snapped to attention when we entered and we only commented "AT EASE" and break out the Scotch. An evil smile crept across his face as he broke out the scotch and three glasses. After enjoying the "Nectar of the Gods" we asked our old friend how he liked his new position. His billet was a mansion and frankly they wait on me hand and foot. Talk about being spoiled.

 

Arkyn and I need a "Chief of Staff" for our office and frankly with your new connections will you find us a Command Master Sergeant who has your abilities. "CONSIDER IT DONE!"

 

Before we left, we advised our old friend he now had no excuse NOT for proposing to his old partner and if SecDef wouldn't authorize his transfer so you two can be together, POTUS owes us BIG TIME!!

 

We both expect an invitation to the Wedding and especially to the bachelor party. Our old friend had an ear to ear smile as he commented: GUARANTEED!

 

Our morning Email had the names of two Command Master Sergeants who our old friend could highly recommend. Just don't scare them to death when you meet them, you two can be quite intimidating at times. J

 

Time to pull in a favor from Tony and to borrow his conference room for the morning. Asking him to have SecDef order the two men to meet with him in the morning, we would be joining him at the Penthouse again tonight. Guess it was time to see if the Penthouse was really our home away from home or we needed to request its use each time we needed it.

 

Tony and Thomas both affirmed to us the Penthouse was our HOME and we never had to ask to use it. It was more ours than theirs. We both are so proud of what you are doing for our country. You both could have said NO to POTUS and no one would have thought less of you. We will always support you in everything you do.

 

We were indeed proud of the two "imps" we were so proud to claim as our sons as well as their partners in life and eternity.

 

We crashed early that afternoon at the Penthouse and our four impish "grandsons" came rushing out of their bedroom and ganged up on us telling us it was rude not to warn them of our arrival. We apologized and quietly informed our older grandsons they needed a shower, they reeked of cum. Two very embarrassed imps thanked us and retreated to their bedroom.

 

As our two younger "grandsons" crawled over our bodies they smiled and commented those two are truly in love. You better warn them too much use can break their cocks as the little imps roared in laughter. Actually, Grandpas, they did so much for us growing up we can't deprive them from enjoying life together even if that includes sex. We are alive today because of them and we could never do enough to ever repay them.

 

As the two little imps hugged and kissed us, we knew their sincerity toward their older brother(s) and the comments they made came from their hearts.

 

As Tony and Thomas finally arrived at the Penthouse they asked if their sons had been taking good care of their grandfathers. We only commented: Is being spoiled good enough care? We all laughed as we held and kissed the little imps who still stole our hearts.

 

Asking T&T to meet with them privately we needed a quiet family meeting and to make them aware of the budding romance. T&T were well aware of the feelings between their older children and if the time arrives when they want to be bound as partners for eternity, we would only encourage it.

 

We shyly asked if they were serious about the Penthouse being our residence whenever we needed it? They were insulted by the question. This was more our home than theirs. They could never refuse the two of us anything they have.

 

We knew this was their home and even if they did redecorate the second Penthouse for us, it would always be their home as much as Camp Phoenix is their family home.

 

We were assured the Worthingtons would support anything we did to help our country. Guess it was time to invite the new POTUS for the weekend and advise him of the support the Worthingtons would always give to POTUS and our Country.

 

Advising Tony and Thomas we were interviewing two Command Master Sergeant tomorrow at the Worthington Executive Office for our Chief of Staff position... we would appreciate it if you could join us in the selection process.

 

Tony only asked what time the Limo was leaving for the office and he and Thomas would be onboard both literally and figuratively.

 

Tony ordered a brunch fit for a visiting dignitary from the Worthington Cafeteria when we arrived the next morning. "Can't start the day on an empty stomach!" Bon Appetite!

 

Finally, at 0805 hours Security announced our candidates had arrived and they were on their way to our Executive Conference Room. Tony only smiled as he commented time to terrify some enlisted men and give them the interview of their life.

 

After three hours of interviewing both men together we broke for lunch and then proceeded to terrify each man for a couple of hours again in the afternoon.

 

Not even knowing why they were here just exacerbated their anxiety. Finally, we four decided to call it a night and we could discuss the individuals more as we relaxed at the Penthouse that evening. Tony ordered a seafood salad for each of us for dinner and hamburgers for the imps to enjoy. (Some fights were worth avoiding as a family.)

 

As we openly discussed each of the two candidates candidly, they were both equally qualified and either could fulfill the role as our Chief of Staff. Tony asked which one we felt more comfortable with. After all, this man will know more about you and your private life than even your partner. Arkyn and I looked at each other and we knew the answer. The selection process has ENDED! We now had to inform the loser to report back to his old assignment and he didn't even know wjy he was being interviewed.

 

As we met with the man we hoped would accept our request to be our Chief of Staff... we asked him if he knew the role POTUS had asked us to accept. The details were quite ambiguous, but he had a vague idea of the responsibilities. (Probably more than we had.)

 

We are asking you to be our Chief of Staff... that means running our lives to benefit the people of the United States. Are you willing to accept the responsibilities? His answer sealed the deal: "With the help of God, I will!"

 

We gave him his six star breast badge and welcomed him to our team. We'll see you at 0600 hours at the Pentagon tomorrow. If you want to share a ride, we will leave from here at 0530 hours. I'd suggest you inform your parents before they find out from the press and you end up with your fathers' foot up your ass. Thank you sirs and goodnight!

 

We sent off a quick Email to the new Command Master Sergeant at Fort Connor commenting we had just selected our new Chief of Staff and the runner up would make a great squad sergeant if and when you need to select a replace one of the existing sergeants. Giving him the name, pic and CV of the man a few hours later he thanked us immensely for being so considerate. He would definitely give the man all due consideration.

 

As we settled into our spacious office in the Pentagon our new Command Master Sergeant announced POTUS on video.com for you two Generals. BRING HIM ON! "Generals, I need you at the White House immediately."

 

I think our Limo busted every red light between the Pentagon and the White House. We had an armed security detail accompanying us and they weren't stopping until we reached the gates of the White House. The Secret Service escorted us directly into the Oval Office and POTUS warmly greeted us. Asking to join him in his conference room, we were somewhat shocked to see SecDef, the directors of the NSA, DIA, CIA and Homeland Security joining us. "Allen" spoke first commenting we now know who was behind the recent assassination of the President. For years the intelligence community had heard of rumors about an organization only known as "The Family" which claimed to have members in major government positions throughout the world. I am here to state unequivocally "The Family" does exist and every agency of the United States Government is hereby ordered to terminate them with extreme prejudice.

 

The Chief of Staff for POTUS quietly entered the room and handed POTUS a message. It definitely wasn't good as POTUS turned as white as a ghost. "Generals, there has been an assassination attempt on Tony and Thomas Worthington. They were the guest speakers at the Army War College and Thomas was hit by a long range sniper round. The situation is fluid and I'll update you as soon as additional information is available.

 

Your security detail is waiting to transport you to Andrews and I'll have your plane cleared and ready for takeoff when you arrive. "God speed and our prayers go with you!"

 

We questioned the necessity for the speed at which our detail used on our way to Andrews and I swear we busted through the main gate at over 70 miles per hour. Not even the MPs could keep up with us and barely reached us as we exited our vehicle and walked up the ramp of Worthington Actual. As soon as the plane ramp was retracted and locked our pilots came through over the intercom asking us to buckle up, we were cleared for immediate takeoff. We could feel the plane moving as we strapped into our seats and waited for our stomachs to join us as we rose in a steep incline leaving Andrews. Until we knew all the facts about this assassination attempt our pilots weren't taking any chance.

 

Our pilots advised us we would be "wheels down" in 45 minutes and POTUS would have a security detail waiting for us. Our pilots had known Tony and Thomas since they were imps and asked us to tell Tony their prayers were with him and his family.

 

An Army MP security detail was guarding Tony as Thomas was still in surgery. Tony was devastated as he related Thomas tackled him on stage and covered his body with his own. Caleb and OK stood in the open and neutralized the assassin with their handguns blazing and outstanding shooting neutralizing the assassin who was 200 yards away. (Unbelievable shooting with a 9mm handgun!)

 

Thomas had been struck with a .50 caliber sniper round and the damage was major with the doctors giving him less than a 40% chance for survival. It should have been me! All Arkyn and I could do is hold Tony and cry with him. It was no surprise when within the hour General Bradly walked in with an armed Alpha Zulu security detail and with Presidential orders to use whatever force necessary to protect the Worthington and us Generals.

 

When the medical director of the hospital advised us, they were critically low on Thomas's blood type and it appears they still have hours of surgery yet to go. Any help you can provide in getting us an emergency supply of blood will be greatly appreciated. Within minutes we had twenty soldiers including a six star general with sleeves rolled up to provide an interim supply and within the hour SecDef had 100 additional units of blood delivered with an Armed Military Police escort.

 

By now the media had knowledge of the incident and the hospital lobby was packed with hungry reporters looking for a story that would thrust them into the national arena. Arkyn and I looked at each other and at the same time commented: "THE IMPS"

 

Little did we know that POTUS overruled his Secret Service and made a trip to the Marriott Penthouse. Yes, our Penthouse security detail was somewhat shocked when they saw on their Elevator Monitor the face of POTUS waiting to be let out.

 

POTUS commented to our Penthouse Security Detail to please give him a few minutes with the imps and then send in a couple of Wolf War Dogs for Puppy Duty. There just is no easy way to tell imps that one of their fathers is fighting for his life from an assassination attack.

 

The two older boys thanked POTUS for taking the time to tell them in person. We need to get the little guys showered and in bed for the night if you will excuse us. As the two young imps returned from the shower, they found a Wolf War Dog in the middle of the bed and he had no intention of leaving knowing the soft touch the two small imps were with doggie treats.

 

As they tucked their young brothers into bed and kissed them goodnight... the older boys adjourned to their bedroom and as the door closed, they broke down into uncontrollable tears. The suddenly found a Wolf War Dog with his paws on their shoulders licking their faces. They would take their showers in the morning... right now they needed to cuddle with a furry mutt and feel the love of a family that no one would ever destroy.

 

As POTUS was leaving he advised the Penthouse security detail if they needed anything... and he did mean anything... just have OPS contact him at the White House. No one would be getting much sleep tonight anyway.

 

As the surgeons in their bloody scrubs exited from surgery to meet with Tony... They started to tell him all the damage that big bore bullet did to Thomas's body. Thomas is a strong young man and the next 48 hours will make the difference as to if he survives. As we joined Tony in the hospital chapel we knelt in prayer. Suddenly, we all felt the presence of Cardinal Emmanuel and could hear him tell us Thomas would survive... it wasn't his time to die.

 

It was a tenuous 48 hours with Thomas having some critical moments. The physicians were outstanding and we knew their hands were being guided by God. Cardinal Emmanuel was right, it wasn't Thomas's time to die.

 

After 48 hours the physicians upgraded Thomas's condition to stable but guarded. At 72 hours they felt comfortable telling Tony that with no further complications Thomas would make a complete recovery but would have a long period of rehabilitation.

 

The Worthington Board asked for an Emergency Meeting and needed reassurance that Thomas's role at the COO could be filled until he had recovered from his injuries. Arkyn and I assured the Board we would assist Tony however necessary during this traumatic period and that the role of COO would have our full attention.

 

As for "foot in our mouth" disease... We now had to split our time between the Pentagon, the White House and our commitment to Worthington Industries. Tony knew we'd always be there to help him when needed and that gave him the strength to face each new day.

 

We Generals demanded Tony stay with Thomas until he was released from the hospital and both Arkyn and I will fill in for Tony and Thomas with the administrative team of Worthington Industries. It isn't like we didn't do the job before! Everyone on the administrative team knew we spoke for Tony, Thomas and the Board of Directors. We never had to make a request twice.

 

The one person we totally forgot about was Caleb. He and OK truly were the heroes of the day and if it hadn't been for their outstanding reaction and skills it would have been the death of both Tony and Thomas. Caleb never left the side of Thomas and as much as the hospital staff insisted he conform to their visiting policy he only informed them to register their complaints to my staff in the hall with the guns. He wasn't leaving the side of his partner for anyone.

 

Finally, I had the realization that I had no idea of what needed to be done after Thomas was discharged. Asking Doc if he had time to Video Conference, I begged one last favor from him before he retired. I (we) need a medical team to provide care while Thomas is recovering at the Penthouse. Doc only smiled and informed me it had already been done and signed off by both SecDef and POTUS. Just bring our little puppy home safe.

 

Little did we know that Doc had decided his first task after retiring from the Army was to provide the day to day medical care for Thomas till he was back to being fully functional. I think if Thomas had realized he would be facing Doc 2 or 3 times a day he might have wondered if the shooter got the better end of the outcome.

 

It felt like unending "all niters" as we juggled our time between our different responsibilities. Our Command Master Sergeant had a fast learning curve and the cooperation of everyone in the Pentagon less they faced a 1 on 1 with the Sergeant Major of the Army or SecDef in person. Neither of which would be advantageous when it came time for promotion reviews.

 

Finally, Arkyn and I had the Worthington team back to functioning normally and Tony was recovering from his survivor's guilt of Thomas being shot. Doc advised it would be the better part of a year before Thomas would be able to return to a normal schedule and his Administrative Assistant best be prepared to give 150%+ when Thomas returned or face his wrath.

 

Both AA's knew from working with us previously they would be well compensated for the extra work required in this emergency. As we started to hear Doc commenting it wouldn't be long before Thomas could return to work on a limited basis... we asked for a meeting with our two Administrative Assistants.

 

"Gentlemen: you are being put on notice to find and train your replacements. And, it needs to be done with all due haste. We have two Regional Vice-Presidents retiring shortly and I will be asking you two to accept a promotion and fill each of the vacancies. You have earned the promotion through your hard work and dedication and never complaining about any of the tasks we have assigned you regardless of the time it took to complete the tasks. Feel free to share this with your families but we won't announce it to the Worthington employees until after you have selected your replacements. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

As we returned to the Penthouse and was enjoying a casual dinner with the family... we announced to Tony and Thomas we "fired" their Administrative Assistants this afternoon. Amid the look of shock on their face they couldn't imagine a scenario where their performance would require their termination.

 

We smiled at Tony and Thomas as we shared with them, we informed their AA's to start interviewing and selecting their replacements as we were promoting them to fill the Regional Vice-President vacancies which will be occurring shortly. I turned to Arkyn and commented it will almost be a vacation to only have TWO JOBS to handle each day but then having SecDef and POTUS as our bosses... Life will definitely be interesting.

 

 

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

Constructive comments are appreciated and welcomed.

Email to: ibnMichigan@gmail.com